Excuse me for putting in 2 cents but paddlewheels are interesting, to me at least. Most of Mississippi system used sternwheelers while much of the east used sidewheels. Paddleducks is an English website that has lots of discussions, free plans etc that might be well for you to visit. Choosing a project is a great problem because you cannot go wrong. Who said, "So many boats, so little time." ? Local history might have some suggestions worthy of consideration, too. Best of luck to you, Harvey in NC